Osteopathy Services
Our Osteopath team members at Yonge & St. Clair and Danforth & Chester offer rehabilitation-focused Osteopathy treatment.
Osteopathy treatment at Toronto Physiotherapy is always one-one-one in a private treatment room.
Osteopathy is an eligible expense under most extended health insurance plans (please connect with our admin team to learn more). Learn more about our fees here. You can learn a bit more about Osteopathy and our approach below. We are also happy to hear from you with any questions you may have about Manual Osteopathy and how it might be of help to you. Please email us at [email protected] with your questions and we will be happy to connect you with one of our Osteopathic Manual Practitioners, Mona Pour-Saleh, D.O.M.P., and Bahar Moazezi, D.O.M.P.
What is Manual Osteopathy at Toronto Physiotherapy?
Manual Osteopathy was founded in 1874 by American physician, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, and at the core of the practice is the philosophy that the body has an incredible capacity to self-regulate and heal itself when its functions are optimized.
Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach in the treatment of a wide array of conditions. Osteopathy is used to treat musculoskeletal conditions from joint and bone degeneration such as osteoporosis, arthritis, frozen shoulder and those that are from daily repetitive strain, such as neck, shoulder, and back pain.
An osteopath works to find and treat the root cause of an ailment. As an example, a person suffering from chronic migraines who finds medications ineffective long-term, may find meaningful relief from treating the root cause of insomnia. In this case, a migraine symptom was the sign of another issue going on. An osteopath takes great care to determine all contributing factors to a condition or symptom.
Manual osteopathy is also used to treat conditions which are visceral in nature, such as poor digestion or menstrual symptoms, as well as conditions related to the nervous system including chronic stress, chronic pain, anxiety, and migraines.
Components of the osteopathic approach include:
- Joint Mobilization – Used to improve the mobility, function, and range of motion of joints that have become restricted or stiff due to injury.
- Soft Tissue Therapy – Massage Therapy is used as a primary element of Osteopathy to address trigger points in muscles that can cause reduced flexibility and diminished strength capacity.
- Remedial Exercise – Customized exercise programming involves a combination of stretching exercises to lengthen tissue where stiffness or shortening exists and strengthening exercises to build muscle and reinforce joints where weakness or hypermobility exists.
- Visceral Manipulation – Gentle organ specific massage used when strains in the connective tissue of the viscera have been identified as the likely cause of a particular symptom. Restrictions can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, posture or an injury and can cause reduced functioning of the affected organ.
In treating joint stiffness, muscular tension and tissue restrictions, and by restoring optimal alignment and blood flow to all areas of the body, manual osteopaths aim to alleviate pain and promote better health.
Who can / should get manual Osteopathy?
Manual osteopathy can be of benefit to a wide range of individuals, especially those who are experiencing pain or limited mobility. Here are some examples of people who may benefit from manual osteopathy:
- Individuals with musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction, such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, or headaches.
- Athletes or active individuals who are looking to prevent injury, improve performance, or enhance recovery.
- Individuals who have been involved in accidents or have undergone surgery and are experiencing pain, swelling, or limited mobility.
- Individuals who have a chronic condition or joint dysfunction, that affect their physical capacity, such as those with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
- Individuals who have postural challenges, spinal malalignments (such as scoliosis), or muscular imbalances.
- Individuals who have tension or stress-related issues, such as migraines, anxiety or depression.
- Individuals who are looking for a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing their health and well-being.
What conditions does Manual Osteopathy treat?
Manual osteopathy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, inflammation, joint pain, sports injuries, and postural problems. It is also used to treat conditions related to internal organs such as digestive issues, respiratory restriction, menstrual symptoms, as well migraine, anxiety and other conditions related to the nervous system.
Osteopathy is considered safe and non-invasive, and can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of healthcare.
Is Manual Osteopathy covered by Insurance?
In Canada, Manual Osteopathy is recognized as a health care profession and most insurance companies cover Manual Osteopathy in their benefits plans. The extent of coverage may vary, and it is important to check with your insurance provider to understand the specific details of your policy.
What can I expect in a session?
Please plan to wear comfortable, stretchy clothing for your appointment. Some of the things you should expect during your Manual Osteopathy visit are:
Assessment: A thorough history-taking and assessment of your condition will take place to understand your concerns and answer your questions.
Treatment plan: A treatment plan will be developed that is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and which reflects will be of most benefit to you based on the assessment findings. The osteopath will explain the treatment plan to you and answer any questions you may have.
Treatment: This may include various techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, stretching, visceral manipulation and exercise prescription.
Feedback and adjustments: Throughout the session, your osteopath will ask for feedback on how you’re feeling and adjust the treatment plan as needed. They may also give you exercises or stretches to do at home to help support your treatment and ensure you get the most benefit possible.